1. I'm done needing validation.

I'm done needing validation. From anyone. Sure, I still prefer to have my parents approve of the things I do, but I am done living my life for someone else's expectations. Why should I value my self worth, my self confidence, my ideas of myself by someone else's likes on Facebook or Instagram? My clothes, my makeup, my attitude, my body, my words, are good enough for me, and that is all that matters.

2. I'm done caring about everyone else.

I recently went through my social media and deleted many people that I attended high school with because no offense, but what they do is irrelevant to me. I don't care how often they spend their parents' money, how often they party with the same clique they paraded around with in high school, when they make up, break up, transfer schools. I don't care. You didn't acknowledge my existence then, so I'm done looking at yours now.

3. I'm done holding my tongue.

I have a strong personality and a sharp tongue (can you tell?). I rub some people the wrong way, and until now I've tried to tone down those qualities around new people, but that's over with. I do not need to contain myself in front of people because, frankly, I don't care if you love me or hate me. I love me. I am sarcastic, sometimes foul-mouthed, and witty and I'm done pretending I have less personality than I do. The right people will love those things too, and forget the ones who don't. I'm done feeling like I'm too much for people to handle, and I'm done holding my tongue when some people need to be called out on their shit.

4. I'm done not telling it like it is.

I'm sick of friends telling other friends what they want to hear. That's not what friends are for. Friends are supposed to call you out when you're doing something stupid/wrong/insane/dangerous. And I will gladly accept my friends doing the same because I'd rather have someone tell me I'm doing something that might not be in my best interest rather than telling me "I told you so" afterward.

5. I'm done waiting for fairy tales.

I'm done waiting for Prince Charming. I'm done waiting for the lottery. I'm going to bust my ass to get myself where I want to be in this life, and if I fail then I'll know that it wasn't what was meant for me, but it wasn't for lack of trying. I'm going to give my dreams my all, I'm going to pour my heart and soul into what I love, and make my way on my own. I don't need anyone to make me happy because I am happy with myself where I am right now, and I know that this adventure is only beginning.

6. I'm done waiting for later.

Everyone puts off the things they dream of doing, the trips they wish to embark on, the crazy experiences they long to partake in for later. Not me. I'm going to take those trips, and do those things right here and now because life starts outside of your comfort zone, and I intend to live my life to the fullest. If you wait for later the odds are that you'll never get to those plans because if there are obstacles now, you bet there will be more later. Now is the time. Do crazy things and makes memories!

7. I'm done wasting my time on people who don't deserve it.

I've spent countless hours and even years of my life on people who wouldn't do the same for me. I'm done. I'm going to trust my gut, and if I don't get the right initial vibes from you I won't put in much more time to try and figure you out. I'm a concise person, so it doesn't take me long to figure out whether I like or dislike someone or something, and I'm going to listen to that more.

8. I'm done taking people for granted

I've taken my family and friends for granted on numerous occasions because I didn't have my mind right, but from here on out I'm going to do my best to change that. I've been blessed with so many good people, great parents and siblings, and even professors who have been a great influence on who I'm becoming. It's a rare thing to find quality people in a world obsessed with quantity, so when you find people worth fighting for, who push you, support you, and love you, keep them close.

I know this probably comes off strong, but that's just me sometimes. I know I can't be the only one feeling similar things and dealing with similar issues right now. It took me quite a while to become so comfortable enough to even admit this to myself, let alone publish it for you to read and take a stance on. If the only thing you take away from this is self acceptance, then it's a big something. Trust in your knowledge, yourself worth and don't let people put you in a box or minimize your existence because of superficial qualities that don't properly represent who you are as an individual, as a human being. Love yourself, and do you. Always.